Issue Position: Congress and Corruption

Issue Position

I look forward to going to Washington and serving as an agent of change. As independent-minded individuals like me replace entrenched career politicians like Tim Johnson in Congress, we will once again have an effective government working for the people.

The vast majority of Americans recognize that Congress' highest priority is not the well-being of our country or its citizens. Consistently low approval ratings reflect this belief, and the influence of large corporations is a major reason. These corporate powers aim to maximize their profit at taxpayers' expense. They contribute to members of the U.S. House and Senate with the expectation that successful legislation will assist them in achieving their goals.

A quick glance at the fundraising at Federal Election Commission reveals the level of this legalized bribery. Big Insurance, Big Oil, Big Pharmaceuticals, Big Everything have grossly distorted our democracy by dominating the fundraising process. Too many campaigns rely on corporate financing of expensive mass advertising in order to deliver a candidate's message. My campaign, funded almost entirely by small donors without assistance from corporate interests, is one step in the long journey to reverse this destructive process.

What can we do about it?

* Support public financing of all federal campaigns to reduce corporate clout. * Elect candidates, like me, whose campaigns are financed by individuals.

I am extremely proud of the fact that more than 95 percent of my campaign financing has come from individual citizens. In contrast, nearly 70 percent of Tim Johnson's funding comes from corporate Political Action Committees.